Carpal tunnel wrist brace

ABSTRACT

A brace for treating/preventing carpal tunnel injury including a body having a proximal end and a distal end defining s longitudinal direction, the body including a forearm support at the body proximal end, a wrist support coupled to the forearm support by a neck portion, the wrist support comprising a first palmar strap support, a first member and a second member extending from the wrist support in the longitudinal direction towards the distal end, a distal palmar support, a proximal palmar aperture, a palm band having a second palmar strap support, and a palmar strap, extending between a proximal end attached to the first palmar strap support to a distal end, the palmar strap configured to extend across a portion of the back of the hand and over a purlicue of the hand, the distal end of the palmar strap configured to removably attach to the distal palmar support.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/557,063, filed Aug. 30, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/726,130, filed Aug. 31, 2018, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/790,620, filed Jan. 10, 2019, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. Any and all applications forwhich a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in theApplication Data Sheet as filed with the present application are herebyincorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to orthopedic braces. In particular, a carpaltunnel wrist brace is disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling andother symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused bypressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from your forearmthrough a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. Itprovides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, exceptthe little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the musclesaround the base of your thumb (motor function). Positions of extremewrist flexion and extension are known to increase pressures within thecarpal canal and apply pressure on the nerve.

The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive handmotions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. The first symptomsoften include numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and middlefingers that comes and goes. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also causediscomfort in your wrist and the palm of your hand, and when severe,maybe treated through surgery.

Although typically performed on an outpatient basis, recovery fromcarpal tunnel surgery can be lengthy. Pain, swelling, and stiffnessafter the procedure are common. Minor soreness in your palm may last forseveral weeks to several months. Grip and pinch strength usually returnby about two to three months after surgery. Common complications ofcarpal tunnel release surgery include bleeding, infection, and nerveaggravation or injury. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be ableto prevent or treat a carpal tunnel injury or inflammation to avoid therecovery time and risks of surgery.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The systems, methods, and devices of the invention each have severalaspects (features), no single aspect of which is solely responsible forits desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this inventionas expressed by the claims which follow, some of the aspects aredescribed below. Also, various features of the embodiments describedbelow maybe included on a brace to alleviate or prevent carpal tunnelinjury. The drawings referred to in this disclosure illustrate variousfeatures that can be included in various implementations or examples ofa brace. In some examples, not all of the features in a figure areincluded in a particular implementation of a brace. Variousimplementations of a brace can also have additional features.

In one innovation, a brace for carpal tunnel injury includes a bodyhaving a proximal end and a distal end defining s longitudinaldirection, the body having a forearm support at the body proximal end, awrist support coupled to the forearm support by a neck portion, thewrist support comprising a first palmar strap support disposed on alateral side of the wrist support, and a first member and a secondmember extending from the wrist support in the longitudinal directiontowards the distal end. The brace further includes a distal palmarsupport coupled to the wrist support by the first and second member, aproximal palmar aperture surrounded by the wrist support, the first andsecond members and the palm support, the proximal palmar apertureconfigured to fit over a portion of the proximal palmar of a hand, apalm band coupled to the first member at a proximal end and extendinglaterally from the first member to a distal end, the palm bandcomprising a second palmar strap support at the palm band distal end,the palm band configured to extend from the first member across aportion of the back of the hand when the brace is worn, and a palmarstrap, extending between a proximal end attached to the first palmarstrap support to a distal end, the palmar strap configured to extendthrough the second palmar strap support across a portion of the back ofthe hand and over a purlicue of the hand, the distal end of the palmarstrap configured to removably attach to the distal palmar support.

The brace may have one or more other aspects (or features), certainaspects being noted here. However, various embodiments of the acetabularcup assembly may have additional aspects or fewer aspects, and theaspects disclosed herein can be used together in an number ofembodiments even if specifically not illustrated or described as beingin a certain embodiment, as one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate.

In some embodiments, the brace further includes a first wrist strapsupport and a second wrist strap support arranged on opposite lateralsides of the wrist support, and a wrist strap having a proximal endattached to the first wrist strap support, a distal end of the wriststrap configured to extend through the second wrist strap support andremovably attach to a portion of the brace to secure the wrist supportto a hand when the brace is worn. In some embodiments, the portion ofthe brace the distal end of the wrist strap removably attaches to is thewrist strap. In some embodiments, the first palmar strap supportcomprises an elongated first and second slot, and wherein the proximalend of the palmar strap passes through the first and second slot toattach to the first palmar support.

In some embodiments, the brace further includes a first wrist strapsupport on a lateral side of the wrist support, the first wrist strapsupport having an elongated slot configured to receive a wrist strap,the first palmar strap support being aligned on the same lateral side ofthe wrist support as the first wrist strap support, and the first palmarstrap support includes an elongated first and second slot aligned inparallel, and the elongated slot of the first wrist strap support isaligned at an angle with the first and second slots of the first palmarstrap support such that the elongated slot of the first wrist strapsupport is not aligned parallel to the first and second slots of thefirst palmar strap support.

In some embodiments of the brace, the elongated slot of the first wriststrap support is disposed distal to the longitudinal axis of the bracerelative to the first and second slots of the first palmar strapsupport. In some embodiments, the brace further includes a first forearmstrap support and a second forearm strap support arranged on oppositelateral sides of the forearm support, and a forearm strap having aproximal end attached to the first forearm strap support, a distal endof the forearm strap configured to extend through the second forearmstrap support and removably attach to a portion of the brace to securethe forearm support to a forearm when the brace is worn. In someembodiments, the distal end of the forearm strap removably attaches tothe forearm strap. In some embodiments, the distal end of the forearmstrap removably attaches to a fastening surface on the brace. In someembodiments the fastening surface is a fabric.

In some embodiments of the brace, the brace further includes a distalexterior layer on the surface of the brace facing away from the handwhen the brace is worn. In some embodiments, the first layer is rubber.In some embodiments, the brace further includes a proximal exteriorlayer on the surface of the brace facing towards the hand when the braceis worn. In some embodiments, the proximal exterior layer is a fabric.In some embodiments, the brace further includes a semi-rigid layerdisposed between the distal exterior layer and the proximal exteriorlayer. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid layer comprises metal,plastic, a composite material, that is stiff to provide support but atleast slightly deformable when enough force is applied to it. Forexample, in some embodiments the semi-rigid material is metal having athickness of between about 0.4 mm and 2.7 mm. In some embodiments, thebrace further comprises a fastener layer disposed between the distalexterior layer and the semi-rigid layer, wherein the distal exteriorlayer includes at least one cutout that exposes a portion of thefastener layer. In some embodiments the fastener layer is configuredsuch that a portion of at least one strap of the brace may removablyattach to a portion of the fastener layer exposed in a cutout of thedistal exterior layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the braces and methods described hereinwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In thedrawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise. In someinstances, the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exterior side of an embodiment of anexample of a carpal tunnel wrist (“CTW”) brace 100 that when worn, isarranged on a portion of a user's palm, wrist and forearm, theillustrated exterior side being disposed facing away from (e.g., distal)to the user's palm. The brace 100 is illustrated as lying flat withoutstraps to illustrate certain aspects of the brace 100. Typically, aforearm support 106 of the brace 100 is curvilinear in shape togenerally align with the curve of the user's forearm, and a palm support103 of the brace 100 is generally flat.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the brace 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A but alsoshowing a semi-rigid internal structure 172 which is included in aportion of the forearm support 106, the wrist support 162, the first andsecond longitudinal members 148, 150, and the lateral palmar support103.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of a portion of the brace 100 illustrated in FIG.1A, showing the semi-rigid internal structure 172 without the rubberfirst layer 168 and the fabric second layer 170 (that is, the rubberfirst layer 168 and the fabric second layer 170 have been removed inthis illustration).

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a hand showing two portions of the handthat the CTW brace 100 is structured to support, the brace applyingpressure at these two portions to release pressure on the carpal tunnelportion of the hand/wrist.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the interior side of the brace of FIG. 1Awithout straps.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the interior side of the brace of FIG. 3,shown with a forearm strap 180, a wrist strap 182, and a palmar strap184 that are attached to the brace body 102 but not fastened in aconfiguration for securing the brace 100 to the user.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the interior side of the brace of FIG. 3,shown with a forearm strap 180, a wrist strap 182, and a palmar strap184 that are attached to the brace body 102 and in a configuration forsecuring the brace 100 to the user.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the exterior side of the brace of FIG. 3,shown with a forearm strap 180, a wrist strap 182, and a palmar strap184 that are attached to the brace body 102 and in a configuration forsecuring the brace 100 to the user.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematic of an example of the layersof the CTW brace 100 of FIG. 1A along line L₁-L₁.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured on theforearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing straps of the brace acrossa portion of the topside of the forearm, wrist and hand.

FIG. 9 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing straps of the braceacross a portion of the topside of the forearm, wrist and hand.

FIG. 10 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing straps of the braceacross a portion of the topside of the forearm, wrist and hand.

FIG. 11 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing straps of the braceacross a portion of the topside of the forearm, wrist and hand, with theforearm strap and the wrist strap secured.

FIG. 12 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing the brace on thepalm-side of the hand and the palmar strap being secured.

FIG. 13 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing the brace on thepalm-side of the hand and the palmar strap secured.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a brace on the top-side of a hand with thebrace secured on the forearm, wrist and hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

The following detailed description describes embodiments of carpaltunnel braces and methods, some of which are illustrated in the figures.These embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and variousmodifications, variations, combinations, etc., of the features of theseembodiments are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling andother symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused bypressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from your forearmthrough a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. Itprovides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, exceptthe little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the musclesaround the base of your thumb (motor function). Anything that squeezesor irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead tocarpal tunnel syndrome. Positions of extreme wrist flexion and extensionare known to increase pressures within the carpal canal and applypressure on the nerve. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel andirritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation resulting fromrheumatoid arthritis.

The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive handmotions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndromesymptoms usually start gradually. The first symptoms often includenumbness or tingling in your thumb, index and middle fingers that comesand goes. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause discomfort in your wristand the palm of your hand. The surgical procedure performed for carpaltunnel syndrome is called a “carpal tunnel release.” The surgicaltechniques relieve pressure on your median nerve by cutting the ligamentthat forms the roof of the tunnel. This increases the size of the tunneland decreases pressure on the median nerve.

Although typically performed on an outpatient basis, recovery fromcarpal tunnel release surgery can be lengthy. Immediately followingsurgery, you will be encouraged to elevate your hand above your heartand move your fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. Pain,swelling, and stiffness after the procedure are common. Minor sorenessin your palm may last for several weeks to several months. Grip andpinch strength usually return by about 2 to 3 months after surgery. Ifthe condition of your median nerve was poor before surgery, however,grip and pinch strength may not improve for about 6 to 12 months. Commoncomplications of carpal tunnel release surgery include bleeding,infection, and nerve aggravation or injury. Accordingly, it would beadvantageous to be able to prevent or treat a carpal tunnel injury orinflammation to avoid the recovery time and risks of surgery.

To address treating carpal tunnel injury or inflammation, a carpaltunnel wrist brace can be designed to be support portions of the hand tomitigate carpal tunnel injury. In various embodiments, such a brace maybe worn on a portion of a user's forearm, wrist, and palm, along thepalm side of the user's hand. The brace may have a longitudinal axisthat runs along a portion of the user's forearm, across the wrist, andacross the proximal palmar to the distal palmar of a patient's hand.

The brace may include a forearm support that is aligned laterally to thelongitudinal axis and is configured to support a portion of a patient'sforearm. The form support may be curved to conform with the patient'sforearm. A strap may be used to connect a first side of the forearmsupport to a second side of a forearm support to secure the form supportto the patient's forearm. The brace may also include a wrist supportthat is generally aligned laterally to longitudinal axis of the brace.The wrist support is configured to support a portion of a patient'swrist to alleviate pressure on certain portions of the wrist which mayaggravate carpal tunnel inflammation. The wrist support may be securedto the wrist by a strap that connects a first side of the wrist supportto a second side of the wrist support across the top side of the wrist(i.e., referring to a portion the wrist that is on the same side as theback of the hand). The brace may also include a palmar support, arrangedon the brace in a portion distal to the forearm support, to support thepalmar portion of a patient's hand. In some embodiments, two membersextend from the wrist support portion of the brace to the palmarsupport. The two members, the wrist support, and the palmar supportdefine edges of a proximal palmar aperture in the brace.

The brace may also include a band that extends from the brace near thedistal palmar support, and wraps across a portion of the back of thepatient's hand when the brace is worn. A palmar strap coupled to the endof the band, may be used to secure the distal palmar support to thepatient's hand. In some embodiments, the palmar strap attaches to astrap support on the side of the wrist support, passes over the purlicueof the hand and extends through a slot at the end of the band, and thenconnects to a fastening surface on the brace. The brace, been secured toa person's forearm wrist and hand by the forearm strap, wrist strap, andpalmar strap, provides support to relieve pressure on the carpal tunnelin provides a secure rigid platform to keep a patient's hand in apreferred position for treatment and recovery of carpal tunnel.

Illustrative Embodiment

An example of an embodiment of a brace is described below in referenceto the figures. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that various modifications and changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the described technology. Such modifications andchanges are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. Itwill also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatparts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with otherembodiments—one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be includedwith other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any ofthe various components described herein and/or depicted in the figuresmay be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

Below is a list of examples of certain components that are illustratedin examples included in certain figures of this disclosure, and that maybe referenced in various embodiments of carpal tunnel wrist braces. Insome instances, different terminology can be used for these components,for example, for clarity or brevity of description.

-   -   100 brace    -   102 body    -   103 palmar support    -   104 distal exterior surface    -   105 proximal exterior surface    -   106 first forearm strap support    -   107 second forearm strap support    -   108 forearm support    -   109 distal edge of the distal palmar support    -   110 cutout in distal exterior layer    -   111 first end of brace    -   112 second end of brace    -   113 proximal edge of the forearm support    -   116 palmar band first connection    -   118 palmar band second connection    -   119 palmar aperture    -   120 proximal end palmar aperture    -   121 distal end palmar aperture    -   122 palmar band aperture    -   123 palmar band    -   124 palmar band outside edge    -   126 palmar band inside edge    -   127 first palmar strap slot    -   128 second palmar strap slot    -   129 third palmar strap slot    -   130 proximal end palm band aperture    -   132 distal end palm band aperture    -   134 distal end palmar band    -   135 palmar strap fastening surface    -   136 first wrist strap slot    -   138 second wrist strap slot    -   141 first palmar strap support    -   142 second palmar strap support    -   144 neck    -   146 first longitudinal member    -   148 second longitudinal member    -   154 first forearm strap slot    -   156 second forearm strap slot    -   158 neck first edge    -   160 neck second edge    -   162 wrist support    -   164 first wrist strap support    -   166 second wrist strap support    -   168 distal exterior layer    -   170 fastener layer    -   172 structure    -   174 proximal exterior layer    -   180 forearm strap    -   181 strap stop button    -   182 wrist strap    -   184 palmar strap    -   186 forearm    -   188 wrist    -   190 hand    -   192 fastener    -   194 proximal end of the structure 172    -   196 distal end of structure 172    -   198 distal end forearm strap    -   200 distal end palmar strap    -   202 distal end wrist strap

FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exterior side of an embodiment of anexample of a carpal tunnel wrist (“CTW”) brace 100 that when worn, isarranged on a portion of a user's palm, wrist and forearm, theillustrated exterior surface 104 being disposed facing away from (e.g.,distal) to the user's palm, and a proximal exterior surface 105 (FIG. 3)facing the patient's palm. The body 102 of the brace 100 is illustratedas lying flat, or substantially flat, and without straps (e.g., theforearm strap, the palmar strap, the wrist strap) to illustrate certainaspects of the brace 100. Typically, a forearm support 108 of the brace100 is curvilinear in shape to generally align with the curve of theuser's forearm, and a palmar support 103 of the brace 100 is generallyrelatively flat. For example, the brace 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 and8-14 shows an example of the curvilinear shape of a brace 100. Forexample, the curve of the forearm support 108 around a portion of aforearm, the curve of a wrist support 162 around a portion of a wrist,and the shape of the palmar support 103 along the palm of a hand. Insome embodiments, the brace 100 includes a conformable rigid orsemi-rigid structure 172 (FIG. 3) that allows a portion of the brace 100to be deformed so as to conform with a portion of person's forearm(e.g., the brace 100 may be deformed and once it is deformed itmaintains the deformed shape). For example, the forearm support 108 maybe deformed to have a wide u-shaped curve to conform with the undersideof a person's forearm when the brace is worn.

The embodiment of brace 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A includes the forearmsupport 108, a wrist support 162, and the palmar support 103. The brace100 extends in longitudinal direction from a proximal edge 113 of theforearm support 108 on a first end 111 of the brace 100, to a distaledge 109 of the palmar support 103 on a second end 112 of the brace. Thewrist support 162 is connected to the forearm support 108 by a neck 144having a neck first edge 158 disposed on one lateral on the oppositelateral side of the neck 144. The wrist support 162 is connected to thepalmar support 103 by a first longitudinal member 146 and a secondlongitudinal member 148 that extend between the wrist support 162 and adistal palmar support 103.

The forearm support 108 includes a first forearm strap support 106disposed on a first lateral side of the forearm support 108 and a secondforearm strap support 107 disposed on a second lateral side of theforearm support 108, the first lateral side of the forearm support 108and the second forearm strap support 107 located on opposite lateralsides of the forearm support 108. The forearm strap supports 106, 107are used to attached to a strap which secures the forearm support 108 toa patient's forearm. Although straps of the brace 100 are not shown inFIG. 1A, an example of a forearm strap 180, a wrist strap 182, and apalmar strap 184 are illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, FIGS. 8-14illustrate examples of the forearm strap 180, wrist strap 182, andpalmar strap 184 being used to secure the brace 100 to a patient. In theillustrated embodiment, the first forearm strap support 106 includes aforearm strap first slot 154 and the second forearm strap support 107includes forearm strap second slot 156. The forearm strap slots 154, 156are elongated apertures in the brace 100, the elongation of the forearmstrap slots 154, 156 generally aligned in the longitudinal direction ofthe brace 100. Also, the forearm strap supports 106, 107 can include aportion of the distal exterior layer 168 for strength. The distalexterior layer 168 may include rubber, or another durable natural orsynthetic material.

The lateral sides of the neck 144 are narrower than the forearm support108 and the wrist support 162. That is, the configuration of the neck144 is such that the distance d₃ between the neck first edge 158 and theneck second edge 160 is less than the distance d₁ which is the lateralwidth of the forearm support 108, and the distance d₃ is less than thedistance the distance d₄ which is the lateral width of the wrist support162. The wrist support 162 and its corresponding wrist strap supports164, 166 are configured such that at least a portion the wrist support162 and its corresponding wrist strap supports 164, 166 deform as thewrist strap 182 is tightened (e.g., bend or flex to at least partiallyconform with the wrist of patient). In addition, in some embodiments(including the illustrated embodiment) the wrist support 162, althoughrigid, is at least somewhat deformable. For example, the wrist support162 may be deformed and once it is deformed it maintains the deformedshape). Also, the forearm support 108 and its corresponding forearmstrap supports 106, 107 are configured such that at least a portion theforearm support 108 and its corresponding forearm strap supports 106,107 can deform as the forearm strap 180 is tightened.

In addition, in some embodiments (including the illustrated embodiment)the forearm support 108 although rigid can be deformable (e.g., it maybe deformed and once it is deformed it maintains the deformed shape).The configuration and dimensions of the neck 144 allows the forearmsupport 108 and the wrist support 162 to be secured to a patient'sforearm and hand independently, allowing each of the forearm support 108and the wrist support 162 to independently conform to the forearm andwrist, respectively, as the forearm strap 180 and the wrist strap 182are tightened to secure the brace 100 onto the patient. Also, theconfiguration and dimensions of the neck 144 allows the forearm support108 and the wrist support 162 to be independently deformed as needed tofit a patient's arm and hand. In some embodiments, the forearm support108 and the wrist support 162 may be deformed such they are not in thesame plane, that is, the forearm support 108 and the wrist support 162may me misaligned by (slightly) bending the brace at the neck 144.Accordingly and advantageously, the tightening the forearm strap 180 tosecure the forearm support 108 to a patient with the proper fit, ordeforming the forearm support 108 or the wrist support 162, will notaffect the tightening of the wrist strap 182, or the deformation of theforearm support 108 or the wrist support 162 will not affect thedeformation of the other of the forearm support 108 or the wrist support162, to secure the wrist support 162 to the patient with the proper fit.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the neck 144 includes a cutout110 in the distal exterior layer 168 110. The brace 100, in theillustrated embodiment, includes a plurality of cutouts 110. A “cutout”as used herein in this context refers to an opening in the distalexterior layer 168 such that material that is disposed underneath thedistal exterior layer 168 can be seen in the cutout 110. As described inmore detail in reference to FIG. 7, the distal exterior layer 168 is anexposed distal exterior surface 104 of the brace 100, which isoutward-facing, that is, it faces away from the palm of the patient whenthe brace is worn. In embodiments of the brace 100 that include multiplelayers, a layer disposed adjacent to and underneath the distal exteriorlayer 168, which may normally not be exposed as it is covered by thedistal exterior layer 168, may have a portion of such layer exposedthrough the one or more cutouts (openings) 110 in the distal exteriorlayer 168. In some embodiments, the material exposed through a cutout110 is a material or structure that the strap can be fastened to. Forexample, by using corresponding hooks and loops fastening structures onthe strap and on the layer exposed through a cutout, or using a snap, orany other suitable fastening structure.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the wrist support 162 includes a first wriststrap support 164 positioned on one lateral side (e.g., a first side) ofthe wrist strap support 162, and a second wrist strap support 166positioned on the opposite lateral side (e.g., a second side) of thewrist support 162. The first wrist strap support 164 includes a firstwrist strap slot 136. In this embodiment, the elongation of the strapslot 136 is generally aligned in the longitudinal direction of the brace100. The second wrist strap support 166 includes a second wrist strapslot 138. In this embodiment, the elongation of the strap slot 138 isgenerally aligned in the longitudinal direction of the brace 100. Wriststrap 182 (e.g., FIG. 8) can be attached to one of the wrist strap slots136, 138, extend around the user's wrist through the other of the wriststrap slots 136, 138, and then be fastened to either the strap 182 orsomewhere else on the brace.

The first longitudinal member 146 and the second longitudinal member 148extend from the wrist support 162 towards and are attached to the distalpalmar support 103. The wrist support 162, the first longitudinal member146, the second longitudinal member 148, and the palmar support 103define a proximal palmar aperture 119, which is structured to align witha portion of a patient's hand when the brace 100 is worn. In thisembodiment, the proximal palmar aperture 119 includes a U-shapedproximal end 120 and a longer distal end 121 which in this embodimentincludes a straight portion that runs along a portion of the palmarsupport 103. In other embodiments, the edges of the first longitudinalmember 146, the second longitudinal member 148, the wrist support 162,and palmar support 103 may be different in length, curvature, and/oralignment, and correspondingly the shape of the proximal palmar aperture119 may be different. The configuration of the palmar aperture 119advantageously allows for airflow through the palmar aperture 119 acrossa patient's palm exposed palm (exposed by the palmar aperture 119) whilestill providing the rigid support of the wrist and hand as needed, whichmay mitigate sweating, and thus be more comfortable for a patient towear for extended periods of time.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the brace 100 includes a palmar band 123extending from a lateral portion of the first longitudinal member 146.The palmar band 123 is attaches to an outside edge of the firstlongitudinal member 146 at a palmar band first connection 116 and apalmar band second connection 118 at a portion on the first longitudinalmember 146 that is closer to the first end 111 of the brace. The palmarband 123 in this embodiment is generally U-shaped, although otherconfigurations of the palmar band 123 that perform the samefunctionality are also contemplated. A palmar band aperture 122 extendsfrom a proximal end 130 to a distal end 132 and is within the U-shapedstructure of the palmar band 123, the palmar band aperture 122 beendefined by the palmar band inside edge 126 which runs along theperimeter of the palm band aperture 122.

A first palmar strap support 141 is disposed on a portion of the wristsupport 162 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the first palmarstrap support 141 disposed between the second wrist strap support 166and the centerline (or longitudinal axis) of the brace 100 that runsfrom the first end 111 to the second end 112. The first palmar strapsupport 141 includes a first palmar strap slot 127, and a second palmarstrap slot 128 adjacently disposed by the first palmar strap slot 127and parallel in alignment to the first palmar strap slot 127. The palmarband 123 includes a distal end 134 and the second palmar strap support142 is located on the distal end 134. The second palmar strap support142 includes a third palmar strap slot 129. The proximal end of a palmarstrap 184 (FIG. 4) may be attached to the first Palmar strap support141. When the brace 100 is worn, the palmar strap 184 may run across aportion of the purlicue of the patient's hand. A distal end of thepalmar strap 184 may pass through the third palmar strap slot 129 whenthe palmar band 123 is across the back of the hand, across a portion ofthe purlicue of the hand, and then the distal end of the palmar strapmay attach to the brace 100, for example, on the palmar strap fasteningsurface 135. In this embodiment, the palmar strap passing surface 135 ispart of the fastener layer 170 that is exposed in a cutout 110 of thedistal exterior layer 168. An illustration of the palmar strap 184securing the brace 100 to a patient's hand is illustrated and describedin more detail in FIGS. 8-14.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the brace 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A showingan example of a structure 172 provides rigidity to portions of the brace100. Portions of the structure 172 are included in the forearm support108, the wrist support 162, the first and second longitudinal members146, 148, and the palm support 103. That is, the illustrated structure172 extends from the forearm support 108, through the neck 44 to thewrist support 162. Portions of the structure 172 further extend throughthe first and second longitudinal member 146, 148, and then to thepalmar support 103. The structure 172 surrounds the palmar aperture 119(FIG. 1) to provide rigidity to the brace 100 as a whole to limit(separate) movement of a person's forearm, wrist, and hand.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of a portion of the brace 100 illustrated in FIG.1A, showing the structure 172 without the rubber first layer 168 and thefabric second layer 170 (that is, the rubber first layer 168 and thefabric second layer 170 are not shown in this illustration). Asdescribed above, the components of brace 100 are shown as being flat,however, as used in worn by a patient, one or more of the forearmsupport 108, wrist support 162, the first and second longitudinalmembers 146, 148, and the palmar support 103 may be at least slightlycurved (or deformed) to conform to the patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. The structure 172 may comprise a rigid, or a semi-rigid (rigid butdeformable) material. In some embodiments, the structure can be deformedto a shape to better fit the brace 100 to the patient's arm/hand, andafter it is deformed it is rigid and maintains the deformed shape. Insome embodiments where there are many different sizes of the brace 100,the structure 172 may not be deformable and one of the many sizes of thebrace 100 are selected for a particular application on a patient. Invarious embodiments, the structure 172 may comprise metal, plastic, acomposite material, wood, fiberglass, or another suitable material. Insome embodiments, structure 172 comprises titanium, steel, aluminum, oran alloy.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the structure 172 is arrangedon the brace 100 from a proximal end 194 in the forearm support 108through the neck 44, and continues through a portion of the wristsupport 162 and extends in each of the longitudinal members 146, 148 tothe distal palmar support 103, and laterally across distal palmarsupport 103 to a distal end 196 of the structure 172. Similar to theforearm support 108, the structure 172 extends laterally such that alateral dimension d₅ of the structure 172 in the form support 108portion of the brace is greater than a lateral dimension d₆ of thestructure 172 in the neck 44 region of the brace. Portions of structure172 in the wrist support 162, the longitudinal members 146, 148, in thedistal palmar support 103 surround the proximal palmar aperture 119. Insome embodiments, structure 172 may be formed by two or more structuralmembers that are rigidly coupled together, loosely coupled, or notjoined (except indirectly through another structure).

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing two portions of a hand 190 of apatient that the brace 100 is structured to support. When worn by apatient, the brace 100 supports portions A and B of the hand 190,applying pressure at these two portions when the hand 190 is resting onthe surface, with the brace 100 between the hand in the surface, torelease pressure on the carpal tunnel portion of the hand and/or wrist.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the proximate exterior surface 105 of theembodiment of the CTW brace 100 of FIG. 1, shown here with straps, whichare described in more detail hereinbelow. The proximate exterior surface105 is the surface of the brace 100 that is adjacent to, and contacts,the patient's forearm wrist and hand when the brace is worn. Theproximate exterior surface 105 may comprise a material that iscomfortable to be worn against the skin. For example the proximateexterior surface 105 may comprise a natural or synthetic fabric, orother material, that has good durability and is comfortable to be wornagainst the patient's skin for an extended period of time. As describedin reference to FIG. 7, the proximate exterior surface 105 may be thesurface of the proximate exterior layer 174. In some embodiments, theproximate exterior layer 174 may comprise a padded material, ahypoallergenic material, a soft material, a smooth material, and/or amaterial that is not irritating.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the proximate exterior surface 105 (theinterior side) of the brace of FIG. 1, shown with a forearm strap 180, awrist strap 182, and a palmar strap 184 that are attached to the bracebody 102 but not fastened in a configuration for securing the brace 100to the patient. In FIG. 4, the forearm strap 180 is shown as beingattached to one of the forearm strap supports 106, 107 and having adistal end 198 of the forearm strap 180 extending through the forearmstrap slot in the other of the forearm strap supports 106, 107. Thewrist strap 182 is shown as being attached to one of the wrist strapsupports 164, 166 and having a distal end 202 of the wrist strap 182extending through the wrist strap slot in the other of the wrist strapsupports 164, 166. The palmar strap 184 is shown as being attached tothe first palmar strap support 141 and having a distal end 200 extendingthrough the third palmar strap slot 129 in the palmar strap secondsupport 142. The distal end of each of the forearm strap 180, the wriststrap 182, and the palmar strap 184 includes a fastener 192 that may beused to removably attach the distal end of the strap to a portion of thebrace 100 or to the strap itself.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the interior side of the CTW brace of FIG.3, shown with a forearm strap 180, a wrist strap 182, and a palm strap184 that are attached to the brace body 102 and in a configuration forsecuring the brace 100 to the user. In the illustrated configuration,the distal end 198 of the forearm strap 180 is doubled-back and attachedto the forearm strap 180, and the distal end 202 of the wrist strap 182is doubled-back and attached to a portion of the wrist strap 182. Thepalmar strap 184 passes through the third palmar strap slot 129 andloops back around to the other side of the brace 100, and can attach topalmar strap fastening surface 135 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in the embodiments in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the brace 100may include a strap stop button 181 disposed near the distal end of theforearm strap 180 and/or the wrist strap 182 (FIG. 5), and/or the palmarstrap 184 (FIG. 6). The strap stop button 181 is a structure that isattached to a strap and has a depth dimension that is slightly largerthan the width of a strap slot of the brace 100 that the strap passesthrough, preventing the end of the strap from passing through the slotat an undesirable time, for example, when preparing to put the brace 100on. In some embodiments, the stop strap button 181 is a metal structurethat couples to a portion of the strap. For example, a strap stop button181 attached near the distal end 198 of the forearm strap 180 increasesa depth dimension of the strap where the stop strap button 181 isdisposed such that the combination of the stop strap button 181 and thestrap is slightly larger than the width of the forearm strap slots 154,156. A strap stop button 181 attached near the distal end 202 of thewrist strap 182 has a depth dimension that the combination of the stopstrap button 181 and the wrist strap 182 is slightly larger than thewidth of the wrist strap slots 136, 138. A strap stop button 181attached near the distal end 200 of the palmar strap 184 has a depthdimension such that the combination of the stop strap button 181 and thepalmar strap 184 is slightly larger than the width of the palmar strapslot 129. In some embodiments, the strap stop button 181 may be justlarger than the width of the slot such that with some force the distalend of the strap including the strap stop button can pass through theslot (as the material of the slot can be pliable), but such that it isunlikely to occur unless desired. A stop strap button 181 may beattached to one side of a strap during manufacture of the strap suchthat one side of the stop strap button protrudes from the outside of thestrap (that is, on the opposite side as the fastener 192) and the otherside of the stop strap button 181 is covered by a portion of the strap(e.g., the fastener 192) such that it is not exposed.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the brace 100 showing the distal exteriorsurface 104. The brace 200 is shown with the forearm strap 180, thewrist strap 182, and the palmar strap 184 that are attached to the bracebody 102 and in a configuration for securing the brace 100 to the handof a patient.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematic representing an example oflayers of the brace 100 of FIG. 1A along line L₁-L₁, according to someembodiments. In this example, the layers of the brace include a distalexterior layer 168, a fastener layer 170, a semi-rigid structure layer172, and a proximal exterior layer 174. The distal exterior layer 168may comprise a durable and flexible material, for example, rubber or anysuitable natural or synthetic material. When the brace 100 is attachedto the patient's hand, the distal exterior layer 168 is disposed facingaway from the patient's hand, wrist, and forearm. The distal exteriorlayer 168 may include a number of cutouts 110 (FIG. 1) that allow thefastener layer 170 to be exposed through the distal exterior layer 168.In some embodiment, the cutouts 110 also may facilitate increasedflexibility of the in the areas of the cutouts 110. In some embodiments,the cutouts 110 form part of the ornamental design of the brace 100.

The fastener layer 170 is disposed adjacent to the distal layer 168,between the distal exterior layer 168 and the proximal exterior layer174. In this embodiment, the faster layer 170 is also disposed adjacentto the semi-rigid structure 172 such that the faster layer 170 isbetween the distal exterior layer 168 and the semi-rigid structure 172in the portions of the brace that include the semi-rigid structure 172.The fastening layer 170 may provide a fastening surface that a portionof any of the straps of the brace may be attached to, according tovarious embodiments. For example, the fastening layer 170 may comprisehooks or loops, a corresponding surface of a strap may comprise theother of the hooks or loops.

In this embodiment, the semi-rigid structure 172 is disposed adjacentto, and between, the fastening layer 170 and the proximal exterior layer174. The semi-rigid structure 172 provides rigidity to the brace 100 inthe portions of the brace 100 that include the semi-rigid structure 172.The proximal exterior layer 174, when the brace is worn on a patient'shand, is adjacent to the patient's hand in context the patient's hand.The proximal exterior layer 174 may comprise any suitable synthetic ornatural fabric. In some embodiments the proximal exterior layer 174 ishypoallergenic. In some embodiments the proximal exterior layer 174comprises a material which is non-absorptive to make it easier to clean.

FIGS. 8-14 are illustrations of different stages of the brace 100 ofFIG. 1A been attached to a patient by the forearm strap 180, the wriststrap 182, and the palm strap 184. Some of the components described mayrefer to components of the brace 100 shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a CTW brace on the topside of a hand 190 ofa user before the straps are secured. As is illustrated in FIG. 8, theforearm strap 180 is attached to a forearm support 108 at the forearmstrap first support 106 and extends across the top of the forearm 186and through the forearm strap second slot 156. The forearm strap 180includes a fastener 192 that may be attached to another portion of thebrace 100 to secure the forearm strap 180, and the forearm support 108,to the patient's forearm 186. In some embodiments, the portion of thebrace 100 that the brace fastener 192 attaches to is the forearm strap180. In some embodiments, the portion brace 100 that the brace fastener192 attaches to is a surface on the body 102 of the brace 100.

The wrist strap 182 is shown attached to one side of the wrist support162 and passes across the top of the wrist 188 to the opposite side ofthe wrist support 162 where it passes through the second wrist strapsupport 166. The wrist strap 182 includes a fastener 192 that may beattached to another portion of the brace 100 to secure the wrist strap182, and the wrist support 162, to the patient's wrist 188. In someembodiments, the portion of the brace 100 that the fastener 192 attachesto is the wrist strap 182. In some embodiments, the portion of the brace100 that the fastener 192 attaches to is a surface on the body 102 ofthe brace 100.

The palmar strap 184 is shown attached to the first palmar strap support141, running across the back of the hand 190, and passing through thethird palmar strap slot 129. The palmar strap 184 includes a fastener192, on the distal end of the palmar strap 184, that may be attached toanother portion of the brace 100 to secure the palmar strap 184 and thedistal palmar support 103 to the patient. In some embodiments, theportion of the brace 100 that the fastener 192 attaches to is a surfaceon the body 102 of the brace 100, for example, the palmar strapfastening surface 135. In other embodiments, the fastener 192 of thepalmar strap 24 may be attached to another part of the brace 100 thathas a suitable fastening surface, e.g., a surface of the brace or astrap of the brace.

FIG. 9 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm, wrist and hand of a patient, showing straps of the braceacross a portion of the topside of the forearm 186, wrist 188, and hand190 of a patient. In FIG. 9, the forearm strap 180 is illustrated in aunfastened position, that is, the distal end 198 of the forearm strap180 is not been doubled back onto the forearm strap 180 such that thefastener 192 on the distal end 198 fastens to a portion of the forearmstrap 180. Similarly, the wrist strap 182 is illustrated in unfastenedpositioned, that is, the fastener 192 on the wrist strap 182 is not yetbeen doubled back onto the wrist strap 182 to fasten the wrist strap 182onto the wrist 188. The palmar strap 184 is shown as extending acrossthe topside of hand 190 through the palmar strap slot 129 of the palmband 123, that is, the distal end 200 of the palmar strap 184 isextending through the palmar strap slot 129.

FIG. 10 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm 186, wrist 188, and hand 190 of a patient, showing straps180, 182, 184 of the brace across a portion of the topside of theforearm 186, wrist 188, and hand 190. In FIG. 10, the wrist strap 182has been secured across the patient's wrist 188. Forearm strap 180 isshown being tightened on the patient's forearm 186.

FIG. 11 is another illustration of the brace of FIG. 1A being secured onthe forearm 186, wrist 188, and hand 190 of a patient, showing straps ofthe brace across a portion of the topside of the forearm 186, wrist 188,and hand 190. In FIG. 11, the forearm strap 180 and the wrist strap 182is secured. The palm band 123 is shown as extending across a portion ofthe topside of the hand 190. The palmar strap 184, extending through thepalm strap 123, is being pulled across another portion of the topside ofthe hand 190 such that it will extend across a portion of the handbetween the thumb and the fingers of the patient, so that it can besecured to a portion of the brace, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is another illustration of an embodiment of a brace of the typeillustrated in FIG. 1A being secured on the forearm, wrist and hand of apatient, showing the brace on the palm-side of the hand 190 and thepalmar strap 184 being secured to a portion of the brace. The fastener192 on the distal end 200 of palmar strap 184 is secured to a portion ofa fastening layer 170 which, in various embodiments, may extend acrossvarious portions of the distal exterior surface 104 (FIG. 1A). Thisallows the palmar strap 184 to be secured such that it holds the bracesecurely to the patient's hand for various size and shapes of the hand.

FIG. 13 is another illustration of an embodiment of a carpal tunnelbrace on the left hand of a patient. FIG. 13 also illustrates the palmarstrap 184 being fastened to a fastening surface of the brace that is onthe palmar support 103.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a brace on the top-side of a hand with thebrace secured on the forearm 186, wrist 188, and hand 190 of a patientfurther illustrating the configuration of the forearm strap 180, thewrist strap 182, and the palmar strap 184 in a fully secured position.That is, the wrist strap 182 is secured to a portion of itself. Theforearm strap 180 is secured to a portion of itself. In the palmar strap184 is secured to the fastening surface 170 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 12)on the other side of the brace.

Examples of Embodiments

Example 1: A brace for carpal tunnel injury, including a body having aproximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal direction, thebody including a forearm support at the body proximal end; a wristsupport coupled to the forearm support by a neck portion, the wristsupport including a first palmar strap support disposed on a lateralside of the wrist support; a first member and a second member extendingfrom the wrist support in the longitudinal direction towards the distalend; a distal palmar support coupled to the wrist support by the firstand second member; a proximal palmar aperture surrounded by the wristsupport, the first and second members and the palm support, the proximalpalmar aperture configured to fit over a portion of the proximal palmarof a hand; a palm band coupled to the first member at a proximal end andextending laterally from the first member to a distal end, the palm bandcomprising a second palmar strap support at the palm band distal end,the palm band configured to extend from the first member across aportion of the back of the hand when the brace is worn; and a palmarstrap extending between a proximal end, attached to the first palmarstrap support, to a distal end, the palmar strap configured to extendthrough the second palmar strap support across a portion of the back ofthe hand and over a purlicue of the hand, the distal end of the palmarstrap configured to removably attach to the distal palmar support.

Example 2: The brace of example 1, further including a first wrist strapsupport and a second wrist strap support arranged on opposite lateralsides of the wrist support; and a wrist strap having a proximal endattached to the first wrist strap support, a distal end of the wriststrap configured to extend through the second wrist strap support andremovably attach to a portion of the brace to secure the wrist supportto a hand when the brace is worn.

Example 3: The brace of example 2, where the distal end of the wriststrap is configured to removably attach to the wrist strap.

Example 4: The brace of any of examples 1-3, wherein the first palmarstrap support comprises an elongated first and second slot, and theproximal end of the palmar strap passing through the first and secondslot to attach the palmar strap to the first palmar support.

Example 5: The brace of any of example 1, further including a firstwrist strap support on a lateral side of the wrist support, the firstwrist strap support having an elongated slot configured to receive awrist strap, wherein the first palmar strap support is aligned on thesame lateral side of the wrist support as the first wrist strap support,the first palmar strap support including an elongated first and secondslot aligned in parallel, and wherein the elongated slot of the firstwrist strap support is aligned at an angle with the first and secondslots of the first palmar strap support such that the elongated slot ofthe first wrist strap support is not aligned parallel to the first andsecond slots of the first palmar strap support.

Example 6: The brace of example 5, wherein the elongated slot of thefirst wrist strap support is disposed distal to the longitudinal axis ofthe brace relative to the first and second slots of the first palmarstrap support.

Example 7: The brace of any one of examples 1-6, further including afirst forearm strap support and a second forearm strap support arrangedon opposite lateral sides of the forearm support; and a forearm straphaving a proximal end attached to the first forearm strap support, adistal end of the forearm strap configured to extend through the secondforearm strap support and removably attach to a portion of the brace tosecure the forearm support to a forearm when the brace is worn.

Example 8: The brace of example 7, wherein the distal end of the forearmstrap is configured to removably attach to the forearm strap.

Example 9: The brace of example 7, wherein the distal end of the forearmstrap is configured to removably attach to a fastening surface on thebrace.

Example 10: The brace of example 9, wherein the fastening surface is afabric.

Example 11: The brace of any one of examples 1-10, wherein the bracefurther comprises a distal exterior layer on the surface of the bracefacing away from the hand when the brace is worn.

Example 12: The brace of example 11, wherein the first layer is rubber.

Example 13: The brace of any one of examples 1-12, wherein the bracefurther comprises a proximal exterior layer on the surface of the bracefacing towards the hand when the brace is worn.

Example 14: The brace of examples 13, wherein the proximal exteriorlayer is a fabric.

Example 15: The brace of any one of examples 1-14, further comprising asemi-rigid layer disposed between the distal exterior layer and theproximal exterior layer.

Example 16: The brace of any example 15, wherein the semi-rigid layercomprises metal.

Example 17: The brace of claim 15, wherein the semi-rigid layercomprises plastic.

Example 18: The brace of claim 15, wherein the semi-rigid layercomprises a composite material.

Example 19: The brace of any one of examples 1-18, further comprising afastener layer disposed between the distal exterior layer and thesemi-rigid layer, wherein the distal exterior layer includes at leastone cutout that exposes a portion of the fastener layer.

Example 20: The brace of claim 19, wherein the fastener layer isconfigured such that a portion of at least one strap of the brace mayremovably attach to a portion of the fastener layer exposed in a cutoutof the distal exterior layer.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understoodwithin the context as used in general to convey that certain embodimentsinclude, while other embodiments do not include, certain features,elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generallyintended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any wayrequired for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodimentsnecessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input orprompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included orare to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locatingvarious sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope ofthe concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may haveapplicability throughout the entire specification.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on.” Unless otherwiseexplicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally beinterpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrasessuch as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or morerecited devices.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of thepresent invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in themethods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methodsand equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilledin the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that thisinvention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, butthat it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the truescope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinationsand sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to benovel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations andsub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties maybe claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of newclaims in the present application or in a related application. Suchamended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same inventionor a different invention and whether they are different, broader,narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be consideredwithin the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brace for carpal tunnel injury, comprising: abody having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinaldirection, the body including a forearm support at the body proximalend; a wrist support coupled to the forearm support by a neck portion,the wrist support comprising a first palmar strap support disposed on alateral side of the wrist support; a first member and a second memberextending from the wrist support in the longitudinal direction towardsthe distal end; a distal palmar support coupled to the wrist support bythe first and second member; a proximal palmar aperture surrounded bythe wrist support, the first and second members and the palm support,the proximal palmar aperture configured to fit over a portion of theproximal palmar of a hand; a palm band coupled to the first member at aproximal end and extending laterally from the first member to a distalend, the palm band comprising a second palmar strap support at the palmband distal end, the palm band configured to extend from the firstmember across a portion of the back of the hand when the brace is worn;and a palmar strap extending between a proximal end, attached to thefirst palmar strap support, to a distal end, the palmar strap configuredto extend through the second palmar strap support across a portion ofthe back of the hand and over a purlicue of the hand, the distal end ofthe palmar strap configured to removably attach to the distal palmarsupport.
 2. The brace of claim 1, further comprising: a first wriststrap support and a second wrist strap support arranged on oppositelateral sides of the wrist support; and a wrist strap having a proximalend attached to the first wrist strap support, a distal end of the wriststrap configured to extend through the second wrist strap support andremovably attach to a portion of the brace to secure the wrist supportto a hand when the brace is worn.
 3. The brace of claim 2, wherein thedistal end of the wrist strap is configured to removably attach to thewrist strap.
 4. The brace of claim 1, wherein the first palmar strapsupport comprises an elongated first and second slot, and the proximalend of the palmar strap passing through the first and second slot toattach the palmar strap to the first palmar support.
 5. The brace ofclaim 1, further comprising a first wrist strap support on a lateralside of the wrist support, the first wrist strap support having anelongated slot configured to receive a wrist strap, wherein the firstpalmar strap support is aligned on the same lateral side of the wristsupport as the first wrist strap support, the first palmar strap supportincluding an elongated first and second slot aligned in parallel, andwherein the elongated slot of the first wrist strap support is alignedat an angle with the first and second slots of the first palmar strapsupport such that the elongated slot of the first wrist strap support isnot aligned parallel to the first and second slots of the first palmarstrap support.
 6. The brace of claim 5, wherein the elongated slot ofthe first wrist strap support is disposed distal to the longitudinalaxis of the brace relative to the first and second slots of the firstpalmar strap support.
 7. The brace of claim 1, further comprising: afirst forearm strap support and a second forearm strap support arrangedon opposite lateral sides of the forearm support; and a forearm straphaving a proximal end attached to the first forearm strap support, adistal end of the forearm strap configured to extend through the secondforearm strap support and removably attach to a portion of the brace tosecure the forearm support to a forearm when the brace is worn.
 8. Thebrace of claim 7, wherein the distal end of the forearm strap isconfigured to removably attach to the forearm strap.
 9. The brace ofclaim 7, wherein the distal end of the forearm strap removably attachesto a fastening surface on the brace.
 10. The brace of claim 9, whereinthe fastening surface is a fabric.
 11. The brace of any one of claim 10,wherein the brace further comprises a distal exterior layer on thesurface of the brace facing away from the hand when the brace is worn.12. The brace of claim 11, wherein the first layer is rubber.
 13. Thebrace of any one of claim 10, wherein the brace further comprises aproximal exterior layer on the surface of the brace facing towards thehand when the brace is worn.
 14. The brace of claim 11, wherein theproximal exterior layer is a fabric.
 15. The brace of any one of claim10, further comprising a semi-rigid layer disposed between the distalexterior layer and the proximal exterior layer.
 16. The brace of claim15, wherein the semi-rigid layer comprises metal.
 17. The brace of claim15, wherein the semi-rigid layer comprises plastic.
 18. The brace ofclaim 15, wherein the semi-rigid layer comprises a composite material.19. The brace of claim 15, further comprising a fastener layer disposedbetween the distal exterior layer and the semi-rigid layer, wherein thedistal exterior layer includes at least one cutout that exposes aportion of the fastener layer.
 20. The brace of claim 19, wherein thefastener layer is configured such that a portion of at least one strapof the brace may removably attach to a portion of the fastener layerexposed in a cutout of the distal exterior layer.